Published by ChinaMNC · Jimo

What a Major State Commemoration Means for Foreign Founders Operating in China

A high-level meeting in Beijing marking the 90th anniversary of the Long March highlights policy themes—quality growth, security, and Party leadership—that shape the operating environment for foreign-invested companies in China.

A High-Level Gathering and Its Relevance for Business

On October 22, a major commemorative event was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mark the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March. President Xi Jinping, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech. Senior leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng attended. For foreign founders registering or operating a company in China, such official occasions are worth noting because they signal the policy priorities that will guide regulation and enforcement in the coming period.

Key Messages from the Speech

Xi reviewed the Long March, which took place from October 1934 to October 1936, covering more than ten provinces over some 25,000 li. He emphasized that remembering history helps open the future, and he outlined what he called the "five musts" for advancing the new journey toward national rejuvenation. These points, while political in nature, translate into concrete expectations for businesses operating in China.

1. High-Quality Development and Common Prosperity

The speech stressed the need to unswervingly promote high-quality development, meet the people's growing needs for a better life, and advance the overall layout of the "Five-Sphere Integrated Plan" and the "Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy." It called for effective qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth of the economy, and for promoting common prosperity for all people. For foreign founders, this reinforces the long-standing emphasis on sustainable, innovation-driven growth rather than merely rapid expansion. Companies should anticipate continued policy support for sectors aligned with these goals, such as advanced manufacturing, green technology, and services that improve living standards.

2. Balancing Development and Security

Another "must" is to better coordinate development and security, and to overcome difficulties and risks with a proactive historical spirit. This theme has become increasingly prominent in China's regulatory landscape, affecting areas such as data security, supply chain resilience, and compliance. Foreign-invested enterprises should ensure robust internal controls and stay informed about security-related regulations that may affect their operations.

3. Party Leadership and Self-Governance

The speech also emphasized upholding Party leadership and strengthening Party building, including full and rigorous self-governance. While this is primarily an internal Party matter, it underscores the importance of understanding the Chinese governance system when doing business. Foreign founders are advised to work with local partners and professional advisors who can navigate the administrative and political context.

4. Modernizing the Military

One "must" concerns accelerating the building of a world-class military and achieving the centenary goal of the People's Liberation Army. This is a national defense objective and does not directly regulate commercial activity, but it reflects the broader emphasis on security and sovereignty that can influence policy in dual-use and critical technology sectors.

Practical Takeaways for Foreign Founders

• Policy alignment matters. China's development priorities, as articulated at top-level meetings, shape industrial incentives and regulatory focus. Founders should map their business plans to high-quality development goals where possible.
• Compliance is non-negotiable. The emphasis on security and risk management suggests continued scrutiny in areas like data, cybersecurity, and cross-border transactions. Build compliance into your China entity from day one.
• Local guidance is valuable. Understanding the political and administrative context can help avoid missteps. Engage local experts for registration, licensing, and ongoing operations.
• Long-term perspective. The speech's theme of continuous struggle and long-term goals mirrors the patience required to build a successful China presence. Treat market entry as a marathon, not a sprint.

How ChinaMNC Can Help

At ChinaMNC, we help foreign founders navigate the practicalities of setting up and running a company in China. From entity registration and capital account setup to tax compliance and ongoing regulatory updates, our team provides hands-on support tailored to your business.

If you are considering entering the China market or need assistance with existing operations, reach out to us. We can help you understand the local requirements and connect you with the right resources.

Contact ChinaMNC on WhatsApp / WeChat at +86 153 1898 8535 for help registering and operating a company in China.

This summary is based on information published by the relevant Chinese government website and is general information, not legal or tax advice.